The American Imperialism Essay - 558 Words

After the civil war, United States took a turn that led them to solidify as the world power. From the late 1800s, as the US began to collect power through Cuba, Hawaii, and the Philippines, debate arose among historians about American imperialism and its behavior. Historians such as William A. Williams, Arthur Schlesinger, and Stephen Kinzer provides their own vision and how America ought to be through ideas centered around economics, power, and racial superiority. Economics becomes a large factor in the American imperialism; but more specifically that expansion in foreign markets is a vital part in the growth of America. As historian Charles Beard puts it, â€Å"[it] is indispensable to the prosperity of American business. Modern diplomacy is†¦show more content†¦Besides, it was all very necessary after the depression of the 1890s; people sought to find a route for recovery and â€Å"†¦strong majority agreed that foreign policy could and should play an important – if not crucial – part†¦ in forestalling future difficulties†¦ explained the depression and social unrest as the result of not having enough markets for their specific product†¦ an outlet for surplus stocks becomes an imperative necessity† (Williams 30). This engendered the Open Door Policy which â€Å"was in fact a brilliant strategic stroke which led to the gradual extension of American economic and political power throughout the w orld† (Williams 45-6). But not all historians agreed with Williams for Schlesinger attacks Williams concerning his ideas on the Open Door Policy. â€Å"[T]his zeal for foreign trade and for territorial expansion predated the general agricultural surplus....[A]fter the Civil War, the passion to promote trade and exports subsided, instead of intensifying as it should have done according to the Open Door thesis† (Schlesinger 132). He satirically criticizes Williams’ economic reasoning by saying, â€Å"vast new markets in the solar system† (Schlesinger 149) and furthermore, firmly states â€Å"the American empire was produced not by the economic system...but by the politicalShow MoreRelatedAmerican Imperialism797 Words   |  4 PagesMaterial Appendix A American Imperialism Part 1 Complete the chart by identifying the following: Identify the countries or areas where the United States engaged in countries or areas where the United States engaged in imperialistic actions during the period from about 1870 to 1914. Discuss why each area was important to American empire building—political, economic, and social. Explain America’s expansionist ideals. What were some factors that justified American imperialist actions? Read MoreEssay On American Imperialism1265 Words   |  6 Pagesbook, Our Country, about why the United States should support imperialism. He himself is American, but where exactly in America is unknown. It is important that this established, as it makes it easier to understand his motivations for promoting what he thinks are best interests for America. The exact date of this publication is not given, but further research states it is from 1885. At around 1885 was a period of time where imperialism was a concept which was spreading quickly to many large countriesRead MoreAppendix a American Imperialism1314 Words   |  6 PagesAssociate Program Material Appendix A American Imperialism Part 1 Complete the chart by identifying the following: Identify the countries or areas where the United States engaged in imperialistic actions during the period from about 1870 to 1914. Discuss why each area was important to American empire building—political, economic, and social. Explain America’s expansionist ideals. What were some factors that justified American imperialist actions? Identify the currentRead MoreAmerican Imperialism - Essay997 Words   |  4 PagesAmerican Imperialism has been a part of United States history ever since the American Revolution. Imperialism is the practice by which large, powerful nations seek to expand and maintain control or influence on a weaker nation. Throughout the years, America has had a tendency to take over other peoples land. America had its first taste of Imperialistic nature back when Columbus came to America almost five hundred years ago. He fought the inhabitants with no respect for their former way of life,Read MoreAn Exercise Of American Imperialism1381 Words   |  6 Pages1846-1848: Southward Aggression II,† argues that the Mexican War was indeed an exercise of American imperialism. Throughout his presidency, James K. Polk made a promise to the American people to honor Manifest Destiny, expanding the territory of the United States to the Pacific Ocean. Polk was blinded by his tunnel vision, and was mor e than willing to pay the cost of thousands of Mexican lives (over twice as many as Americans) in pursuit of his goal. The Mexican government was weak, so, Polk took advantageRead MoreAmerican Imperialism Essay1306 Words   |  6 PagesAmerican Imperialism has been a part of United States history ever since the American Revolution. Imperialism is practice by which powerful nations or people seek to expand and maintain control or influence over weaker nations or peoples. Throughout the years there has been many instances where the Americans have taken over other people countries, almost every time we go into we have taken over a new piece of land. The Americas first taste of imperialism came about five hundred years ago when ColumbusRead MoreAmerican Imperialism: Characteristics903 Words   |  4 PagesAmerican Imperialism in the Nineteenth Century extended from several characteristics of America and American society, including but not limited to exceptionalism and manifest destin y. While these beliefs not only supported and manifested the perpetual effort to exploit and later completely oppress and subjugate the Native American populations within its borders, they also supported the later establishment of reservations and the practice of Native American boarding school education. But, AmericanRead MoreFactors Of American Imperialism916 Words   |  4 Pages American Imperialism was a huge goal in the 1850’s. Many main powers like Great Britain, France, and Spain were already very powerful global competitors and America saw that as the key for them to expand and establish more colonies in different countries. By having oversea power, America would equal out to the other countries power. There were three main factors that fueled American Imperialism. The desire for military strength in order to have a more profound military presence in other countriesRead More American Imperialism Essay1862 Words   |  8 Pages Imperialism, defined by Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary, is the policy, practice, or advocacy of extending power and dominion of a nation especially by direct territorial acquisition or by gaining indirect control over the political or economic life of other areas(Merriam-Webster). During the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the United States pursued an aggressive policy of expansionism, extending its political and economic influence around the globe. The United States hasRead MoreDbq for American Imperialism3893 Words   |  16 Pageshistorians as a period of â€Å"selflessness† during which the United States helped weaker nations from dominant European powers and spread the â€Å"blessings of democracy and civilization.† Others have described the â€Å"New Manifest Destiny† as a time of â€Å"ruthless American expansion† at the cost of weaker nations and in violation of our own principles of consent of the governed and popular sovereignty. Using the documents, and your knowledge, how would you characterize this period of â€Å"Becoming a World Power†?